The Best of June

So, this started as a Saturday Sensationals post, but seeing as how it took me all day to finally get it posted, and it's already 11:30 at night, I guess I missed that boat. Anywoodles, I wanted to share some of the awesomesauce posts that my sponsor swap girls shared this month. So, grab yourself something to drink, kick back, and check out these lovely posts!

Kristy shared her summer bucket list, and then wrote this amazing post.

Amber was so busy being awesome, she only wrote one post in June, but we'll forgive her.

Sarah shared what she's learned from HGTV (hint: not much!), and wrote about my she's more awesome than her kids. A woman after my own heart.

Jacqueline wrote about signs of toddlerhood, and wrote about how things are different in the summer (and threw in an adorable pic of Baby Toddler Jaxon eating watermelon).

GiGi shared her 15 minutes to casual glamour tips, and linked up with me for Texas Tuesday to clue us in on how the delicious margarita came about!

Kenj made me cry with this post, and then made me smile with this one.

Sarah shared some tips and tricks, and had her art displayed in a gallery! (Congrats, girl, that's huge!!)

Courtney took us bikini shopping, and GOT ENGAGED!!

Rachel also shared her summer bucket list, and debuted her Way Back Wednesdays link up (which I love!).

Holly made eggplant fritters, and went on vacation. Without me. 

Tiffany's cutie patootie, Henry, turned one, and won my heart over with cherry beer margaritas!

Nikki opened shop on eBay, and shared why some people shouldn't have kids.

Mrs K. made some DIY toddler toys, and wrote this post, which was my absolute favorite.

Jeanne posted her hipster family photos (which are adorably funny!), and made some delicious looking food!

Lindsay talked about Mommy Timeouts (which I completely support), and shared what she's learned from having two kids.

English wrote this post, which made me love her more, and then inspired me with her thrift store finds. I swear I'll go thrifting with her one day!

Carly wrote this amazing post on mommy wars, and shared what makes her feel closer to God.

Bronwyn shared gorgeous photos from her dad's wedding, and moved to a new house!

Ray got a new dog, and her hubby got published!!

And last, but certainly not least, Lil' Woman took some amazing sunset shots, and wrote this adorable post about her hubby.

So there ya have it, that's the best of June. But, if I were you, after I checked out these links, I'd definitely follow all of these lovely ladies, cause there is plenty more awesome where these posts came from! 

Texas Tuesday {vol. 2}

Hey, y'all! Welcome to the second edition of Texas Tuesday!

Just in case any of y'all are new, I'll do a quick run down on what Texas Tuesday is, exactly!! It's a weekly link up that Amanda and I host that is open to anyone, yes, even non-Texans, but whatever you write about, it has to be Texas related. Anything Texas related. Just write your post, grab the button, and come back here to link up! 

OK, enough with the rules, let's talk Texas, y'all!!

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(Right clicking is disabled on my blog. To get the button, highlight the code and hit the "control" button and the "c" button.)


It's come to my attention that we Texans have our own language. Never mind our accents, which are different depending on what area of the state you're in, we have our own way of pronouncing things, and even make up our own words. That's how awesome we are! So, I figured we'd cover a little Texas slang today. Ready?

First thing's first, most Texans never pronounce the "g" on a word that ends in "ing". It's just like it's not even there. Also, most of us pronounce the letter "i" with a loooooong sound. For instance:

"white" = "whiiiiiiiiiite"

"ice" = "iiiiiiiiiice"

"life" = "liiiiife"

The same goes for "y" sounds. I.E. "why" = "whiiiiiii"

And no, it isn't because we're dumb. We may talk slow, but that doesn't make us idiots.

Now, there are words that we pronounce differently. For example:

Coyote is pronounced kai-oat.

San Antonio is pronounced San Antone

The abbreviation for Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) is pronounced Dee-Eff-Dubbya

We also make up our own words and phrases. Like:

A pond or small lake is a tank. I've never met anyone outside of Texas that calls it that.

A livestock show (a place where animals are shown and sold) is sometimes called a "fat stock show"

We call every carbonated drink coke, no matter the brand.

There you have it, Talk Like A Texan 101! There really is a whole lot more to learn before you're really talking like a true Texan, but this is a good start!! Now go practice your long I's and your y'alls, there will be a pop quiz next week! 

Now it's your turn, link up and show us your Texas side!!

Footloose and Kid Free

Happy Monday, darlings!! I am bright-eyed and bushy tailed this morning, because my boss called and gave me the day off! Random days off are the greatest, aren't they?

How was your weekend? Our's wasn't as pleasant as I would have liked it to be, but we ended it on a high note last night! Yesterday was mine and B's 6 year anniversary, and my mom watched M for us so we could go out. Now, here's the thing with B and I, we aren't crazy about big extravagant celebrations when it comes to our special days. We go a bit over the top when it comes to M's birthdays, but when we celebrate our birthdays and our anniversary, it's very low key. I'd rather spend the day curled up on the couch with him than go out to some fancy schmancy dinner. We were so busy yesterday, but ended up going out to catch a late showing of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter last night. After the movie, I tweeted this:

Seriously, if you haven't seen it, you have to hit the theater as soon as you can. Take a long lunch, and catch a noon showing today!! It's soooo good!! 

Anywho, we left the theater and drove the hour drive home, all. by. ourselves. M stayed the night with my mom and niece last night, for the first time ever. I was a bit nervous, and even a little sad on the drive home, but once we got here, I was so exhausted, I passed out the minute my head hit my pillow. But, when I woke up at 6 this morning to get dressed for work, it was so odd not to hear the hum of the baby monitor, and not to eventually hear her talking and singing to herself. It's lovely that I can sit here in the peace and quiet and have a mug of hot chocolate, but I'm missing her terribly. Thankfully, since I have the day off, I can drive over and pick her up in just a bit. 

Well, I am off to do a bit of cleaning before heading to get M..... oh, who am I kidding, I'm going back to bed. I haven't slept past 7 o'clock in two and a half years, and I'm going to take full advantage of being kid free for just a little longer!!

X's and O's, m'dears!

Don't forget, tomorrow is the Texas Tuesday link up!! I loved all of last week's posts, and I can't wait to read the new ones tomorrow! Are you linking up with Amanda and I?

Waving the White Flag

It's only Thursday, and I already hate this week with the strength of a million horses.

I try hard to keep my spirits up whenever crap gets thrown my way, but sometimes, it's not so easy. I have a terrible tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve, so there are times when the stress gets to be too much and my feelings are a little too hurt, and I collapse in a heap of sweat pants, ice cream, and tears on my couch. This is one of those times.

I've written before about how my life isn't all cupcakes and rainbows, and no, I'm not trying to get sympathy. I know I'm not the only one who faces challenges and has crappy days/weeks/months/years, but sometimes when my emotions run this high, I feel all alone. 

This week has shoved me on my ass so many times, my tailbone is starting to hurt.

But, I know that things will get better. I know that my family and I will get through anything that comes our way as long as we stay strong and have faith. However, with that being sad, I'm bowing out. This week has won this battle. I'm packing my underoos and running for the hills while yelling, "Retreat, retreat!"

But know this universe, next week? I'm back with a vengeance, and your tail is mine. Next week, I'm kicking ass and taking names, and my white flag will be nowhere in sight. Let this be your warning.

Sorry for the vague post y'all, but I just needed to get my thoughts out of my head, and I wanted to let everyone know why I've been a bit MIA this week. I'll be back to my normal self come Monday! 

X's and O's 

Texas Tuesday {vol. 1}

Hey y'all! Welcome to the very first edition of Texas Tuesday!! 

Now, before I get to my Texas-fied post, let me clue in those who don't know what Texas Tuesday is! Texas Tuesday is the genius idea of Miss Amanda Faith of Princess of the Panhandle. She asked me if I wanted to cohost, and if you know anything about me and my love of all things Texas, you know I jumped right in! It's a blog link-up that's open to anyone, not just Texans, but it has to be Texas related. You can write about anything at all, just as long as it has to do with Texas. It can be anything from Texas fashion, to Texas music, to Texas locations and events. Got it? Good! If you join in (and we hope you do!), just grab the button below, put it in your post, and link up so we can come read it!! 

Ok, let's kick off this Texas Tuesday the right way!! 

When I sat down to write this post, I had no idea what I was going to write about. Not because of lack of topics, I mean, come on, it's Texas! There's plenty to write about!! But how do I pick a favorite? And then, it hit me. Texas music is the thing I love the most! Texas country, to be specific! 

There are so many Texas artists, but my all time, most favorite one, is Kevin Fowler. He is one of the most geuinine Texas artisit I know! He has amazing music, and he's true to his Texas roots. Born and bred in Amarillo, when he couldn't get signed, he took matters into his own hands and recorded and released his debut album, Beer, Bait, and Ammo, all on his own. It sold over 30,000 copies, just in Texas! He then went on to become very well known here in Texas, and he's still kicking it Lone Star State style!

OK, I think I've yacked enough, I'll let Kevin's music do the talking!

And my personal favorite...

See? Told ya he was good! Now it's your turn! Write your own Texas Tuesday post, link up, and then go check out more of Kevin's music. You won't be disappointed!! 

Happy Texas Tuesday, y'all!

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Saturday Sensationals

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Hello, all of you beautiful people! How is your Saturday going? Mine is sensational so far! M's still asleep, and I've got the tv all to myself, and a big mug of hot chocolate to keep me company! Do you have anything wonderful planned this weekend? We don't have anything planned for today, but we're going to see my dad tomorrow, and M is absolutely ecstatic about it. She loves her PawPaw. Did you remember to buy a Father's Day present for the men in your life?? If not, you shouldn't definitely shut the computer down, and get to shopping! But read this post first. After all, you've already made it this far!

Ready for some Saturday Sensationals?

My new life goal is to participate in a Color Run, even if I have to walk the entire 3.1 miles!

For those (like me!) who can never get that perfect side swept bangs look!

New photos of Breaking Dawn: Part 2 were just released. I may have squeeee'd just a bit. Ok, maybe more than a bit.

Wanna feel better instantly?

How about we all stop pretending it's always easy?

Lindsay (one of my sponsors, holla!) shared what she's learned from having two kids.

Cherry Beer Margaritas, y'all! (This fabulous girl is also my sponsor, aren't my sponsors the greatest!?)

GIANT RUBBER DUCKY!!!!!!

I just laughed for like, an hour.

My life is complete now that I've seen these.

Are you kissing the right way?

I found the perfect guy, then wrote about him on Sprocket Ink.

Have a sensational weekend! X's and O's!

Friday Lovelies

Y'all, Friday is trying to kill me. Or just irritate me to the point of tears. Same difference.

I have been so swamped this week, and I expected to get a break today, since most of our Fridays at work are slow, but that's not the case today. So, I'm blogging on my (very late) lunch break.

We've been working away on our Summer Bucket List, and I was going to share some photos today, but the Friday curse struck again, and my photos aren't uploading to the computer for some reason.

Whomp, whomp.

So, instead, I figured I'd share a some lovely things I've found (or wanted!) lately, how's that?

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I've been wanting new bedding for the longest time now, and One Kings Lane is having a fantastic bedding sale right now!! I will take one to two of each of the following please.

Hello, gorgeous, where have you been all of my life?

I'll take this in a king size, please and thank you.

One of these for the end of the bed.

I don't know why, but I think these are just so lovely.

Please email me for my address after you've purchased them. My anniversary is in a 9 days, so I'd get busy on that! Y'all are going to buy me these things, right??

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I came across a tutorial for making a tshirt into a cardigan over at Brassy Apple, and now I need to learn to sew. Can one of you teach me?

Adorable, right? Kaysi from Keeping It Simple made it. Girl's got skills.

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Kimmie from Sugar and Dots made over her kitchen and dining room.

And I'm in love. I wonder if I could pay her to come make mine over?

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And last, but certainly not least: my favorite lovely of the week!! I've got the button for the link up that Amanda and I are hosting next week!!

Texas Tuesday, y'all!!

Are you linking up? It's not just for Texans, but it does need to be Texas related. We're so excited to start this with y'all! The link up will be open early Tuesday morning, and we'll keep it open at least until Wednesday to make sure everyone has the chance to link up! Write your post, grab the button, and come back here (or Amanda's blog!) to link up. Remember, you can write about anything Texas related. Music, food, fashion, places, events, anything your heart desires! I can't wait to read everyone's posts!!

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OK, my lovelies, I've got to get back to actually doing work. Have a fantastic weekend! 

 X's and O's

Let Love

Hello my darlings! I've been so swamped lately, so I haven't been able to blog any, but I wanted to stop in and post this Bible verse that has been in my head the last few days. Whether you're a Christian or not, this rings true for everyone. Let love be genuine.

I hope y'all are all having wonderful days! I promise I'll have a full post tomorrow, and I'll have the button up for the Texas Tuesday link-up!

X's and O's

Everything's Better in Texas

Happy Monday, my lovelies!!

How do you like my new digs!? The ever so fabulous Little Woman hooked me up with a very stylish new design, if I do say so myself!! (If you're needing a blog design, give her a holler!!)

So, I have so, so, so, many things to share with y'all, and not really enough time to do it! We have been busy checking off things on our Summer Bucket List, and now we've got guests coming in tonight or tomorrow, so I've been so swamped, I haven't had the time to share it all with y'all!!

BUT

I promise a SBL update at some point this week, and we may even get a chance to make homemade glitter play dough, which you know I'll have to share with y'all right away.

Anywhoodles, I wanted to stop in really quick and share a bit of information with y'all. The lovely Amanda Faith, from Princess of the Panhandle, and I have been talking, and we wanted to share our big news with y'all today! Starting next Tuesday, we'll start hosting a truly Texas-fied link-up. Texas Tuesday is open to any Texas blogger (anyone really, but I doubt it pertains to anyone outside of Texas!) and it is all about life in Texas. You can write about anything Texas related. Food, music, Texas style, restaurants, places, events, absolutely anything that pertains to Texas. If you know anything about me, you know that I'm insanely proud to be from Texas, so when Amanda mentioned this to me, I was on board immediately! 

(side note, I'm wondering how many times I can write "Texas" in a paragraph without being too repetitive?)

I'm currently working on a button for the link-up, and we'll get it up sometime this week, that way it's ready for next weekend's link-up. We are so excited to kick this off, so we really hope all of you Texas bloggers join in with us. I love showing off what this lovely state has to offer, and what better way than blogging about it and linking up!?

So, if you're a Texas blogger, come join us! And if you aren't, stick around, I swear you'll fall just as much in love with Texas as we already are!!

Weekend Wrap Up and June's Lovely Ladies

I hope the weekend was as good to all of you as it was to me!

M had so much fun at her cousin's birthday party, and sported her Minnie Mouse shirt like a champ (which I didn't get a picture of), and The Hubs and I had a blast Saturday night! My mom watched M, and we went out to this new place out in the sticks about an hour outside of Austin, to watch Jason Boland and The Stragglers play. We met up with a few friends, and didn't make it back to my mom's until after 3am. Needless to say, it was a wild night, but we definitely felt the tolls of our late night partying when M woke us up at 7 yesterday morning.

Sadly, I have no photos for proof of our good time, but I'm thinking since we had so much fun, we'll have to do it again soon. And next time, I'm definitely taking a ton of pictures. That way I at least have funny photos to show y'all of all of the drunken messes that were shaking it like they had no shame on the dancefloor!

Now, read up on a few of the lovely ladies who are sponsor swapping with me this month, and then tell me what you did this weekend!

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These ladies are fabulous with a capital "F", so if you aren't following them, you're missing out! Read all about them, and then go give them some love!

Nikki from Southern Momma with a Bad Mouth

Hi, I'm Nikki I blog over at Southern Mama with a Bad Mouth. I live in Georgia with my country soul mate and our wild bare foot 2 year old. My blog is about my journey through mommyhood, wifehood, workhood and crafting. 

I also own a shop called Southern Survival Charms. I make military style bracelets with cute charms.

BLOG // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // ETSY // FACEBOOK SHOP

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Lindsay from Littler Mudpies

Hi!! I'm Lindsay, the Momma behind Little Mudpies. I love chocolate and wine. As a Momma of two boys I am learning to Embrace the Chaos that is my life. Little Mudpies is a record of my every changing journey though Mommahood. I share recipes and tutorials too. I recently opened my Etsy Shop and I couldn't be happier. Making jewelry has always been a passion of mine, and now I get to share that. I'd love for you to stop by and say "Hi!" sometime!!

BLOG // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST


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Rachel from You Can't Google Everything

Hi everyone!  I'm Rachel and I blog over at Can't Google Everything!  I live right outside of Philadelphia, but I was born and raised in Florida and I will continue to wear flip flops as much as I can!  My blog is a little bit of this and that!  I blog about my life, recipes, pinterest and my newest obession- my pregnancy!  I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and due September 6th!

I have a husband who can't sit still, so we are always trying out random new things to do!  I also really love to travel, cook, go to the beach and shop.  My dog Rocky is the cutest little guy you'll ever see!

BLOG // TWITTER // PINTEREST // FACEBOOK

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Jeanne from Life in Cleveland

Hi!  I'm Jeanne aka Sourire11. I was an architect, knitter, and world traveler before my life was happily hijacked by a fashion obsessed redhead and a baby so chill we call him the dude.  Now I blog mainly about raising them in the city I love, Cleveland, Ohio. 

BLOG // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // ETSY

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OK, I'm off to try to get some chores done. Or, you know, sit on the couch and watch tv. Potato, potahtoe. 

Happy Monday, my darlings!

Five Things on Friday

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(This post is inspired by Lauren from Texas, because she's wonderful and has the bestest ideas.)

{1} How is is June already? Seriously, how!? It feels like I fell asleep in February, and woke up in June. It's ridic.

{2} The Hubs has taken vacation time this weekend, and we actually get to go on a date tomorrow night!! I plan on getting all fancy schmancy and looking hawt for mah man. Whatever that means.

{3} This weekend also brings M's cousin's 2nd birthday party, which has a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. One of our most favorite boutiques, of a feather, made M the most adorable Minnie Mouse applique shirt that I can't wait for her to wear. It's quite possible that I'm more excited than she is. If you haven't heard of of a feather, you should get your rear in gear and check out their stuff! (Here's an insider tip, I'm teaming up with them later in the summer for a giveaway!!)

{4} As of last night, this little blog of mine has 166 followers. I can't even wrap my head around that! Thank y'all, all of y'all, for being so amazing! I adore each and every one of y'all!! Y'all have listened to me moan and groan, and have been so supportive to me when I've been down. Y'all have stuck through the dry spells when I didn't have anything to say, and I appreciate it so very, very, much. I'm so glad I've been able to build this little corner of mine in the great big interwebz universe, and I'm even more glad that y'all have been here to read all about it! I seriously love my readers! And yes, I love y'all newbies already!!

(side note: jeez, could I get more Southern!? I think there were at least 42 "y'all's" in that last paragraph! Sorry I'm not sorry!)

{5} Last, but certainly not least, we have started chipping away at our Summer Bucket List!! Day before yesterday, B brought home a $10 slip 'n' slide, and we promptly set that sucker up on our front yard. Boy was it an experience! By the end of our outdoor play time, I was sunburned and covered in ant bites. But M had a blast! It took a bit of coercing, and maybe a bit of bribing, but we finally got her to play on it. Granted, she never really slipped or slid, but she did sit in the little "water catcher" at the end, and by the time we were finished, we had her crawling down the slide. Baby steps, y'all, baby steps. And we learned the very valuable lesson that fun doesn't have to be expensive! So, to start your weekend off right, here are some adorable photos of M checking her first item off of the Summer Bucket List! (There's 12 of them, I couldn't pick my favorites!)

This was the location I set it up in. B wasn't happy with the placement because it wasn't "downhill enough". Excuse me, Mr. Perfection. M is very cautiously checking this thing over. The pool hadn't filled with water yet and she kept putting the boogie board there like it was a docking station. She wasn't quite sold on it.

Waiting on Mr. Perfection Daddy to move the slide! So asided by now!!

"Alright, let's test out this bad boy!"

Still unsure....

"Wait, let me step off a minute and look this over again..."

"OK, OK, enough with the cheering, I'll try it, jeez!"

"OHMYGOODNESS THERE'S A POOL DOWN HERE!!"

"ASDASHFALHFLASKFH!!!!!"

I think the slip 'n' slide won her over by the end of the day.

Obviously Nona was trying to keep M warm. At least that's what I like to think!

Happy weekend, Love Bugs!

(Come back tomorrow, I may actually have a Saturday Sensationals up!!)